Resources

We prefer requests be made in writing or e-mail so both parties have a record of the contact. If this is not possible, we can discuss a request over the telephone and place it in writing for the requester. Requests and questions about public records should be directed to:

Name, address, and telephone number or e-mail address of the person requesting the record

Date on which the request is being made

Description of the record(s) requested

A form is available, but not required, for requesting public records. You may submit the completed form by e-mail or mail using the contact information above.

Costs

Potential costs of a public records request

There is no cost to review requested public records in our office in Olympia during normal business hours. In accordance with the Governor’s directive, we try to supply public records electronically whenever possible. For paper copies there is a charge of $.15 per page for letter-size paper (RCW 42.56.120); two-sided copies count as one page. There is no charge for CDs unless multiple disks are produced.

Responding

Responding to a public records request

Within five (5) business days of receiving the request, as required by law, WTSC will respond in one of the following ways:

Make the requested record(s) available

Make a portion of the records available in installments as they are assembled

Ask for clarification if the request is unclear

Acknowledge the request and provide a reasonable estimate of time needed to respond

WTSC is committed to developing and adopting rules that are necessary, fair, understandable, and consistent.

WAC

Rules are known as Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and each state agency adopts rules to implement state and federal law. The law for rule-making is found in the Administrative Procedure Act,Chapter 34.05 RCW,

The process used by the legislature to create and adopt a rule. The rule-making process involves three phases:

Preproposal Statement of Inquiry (CR-101)

The public is invited to participate with the agency to discuss a subject of possible rule-making before any formal notice or action is taken.

Proposed Rule-Making (CR-102)

When the rule is proposed, the agency notifies the public that a new rule is being considered, that significant changes were made to a rule that has already been filed, or that the agency must delay a rule proceeding that has already started.

Rule-Making Order (Adoption) (CR 103)

After the rule is approved, the rule is filed with the Office of the Code Reviser to be put into effect.

Goals of Rule-Making

The rule-making process is designed to:

State our interpretation of the law.

Write understandable rules.

Ensure that the public is notified of our intent to propose rules on a subject.

Encourage public participation in the rule-making process.

Adopt rules that are technically accurate.

Adopt rules that are not excessive, unreasonable, or unnecessary.

Rule-Making Process

State law, Chapter 34.05 RCW, sets out the basic process state agencies, including the commission, must follow to adopt, amend or repeal rules. The following is a brief description of the general processes the commission uses to follow statutory requirements.

The permanent rule-making process:

Stage 1

A Preproposal Statement of Inquiry (CR-101 form) is filed with the Code Reviser’s Office.

Stage 2

A Proposed Rule-making (CR-102 form) and the proposed rule language are filed with the Code Reviser’s Office. Notice of the public hearing date and comment period are provided on the CR-102 form.

Stage 3

A Rulemaking Order of Adoption (CR-103 form) and the final rule language are filed with the Code Reviser’s Office.

Stage 4

Once the rule is adopted, amended or repealed, the commission will enter and file the order and the adopted rules with the Code Reviser for publication in the State Register.